Been there, done that. So recognisable for most when they shot large format the first time. So much you can forget or do wrong, not just how to load the sheets in the film holder. Nice and funny that you kept the footage in the video. :)

Very enjoyable - I wish more photographers were humble enough to show how they mess up. Helps the rest of us out.

I'm new to 4x5 too, but I've been lucky and careful with my loading thus far. A tip for people getting into large format and loading sheets into holders for the first time: I use my left hand's thumb and index finger to find the beginning of the rails that hold the sheet. The ends are kinda sharp, so they're easy to find in the dark. Then, with my right hand, I slide the sheet in with my fingers almost like guides. After fully seated, I do a final check by very lightly tugging up on the sheet to make sure it's in there properly.

That horrible moment when you put the dark slide back in, hear a crunch and realise that you didn’t load the film properly😩

Glad you shared the whole process, good and bad. I wasted a handful of sheets on my first outing. Haha. 🤣💪

It is rare to find true honest youtubers. Just found you here and this is one of the most honest vids i have seen. Good job!

Top tip, store your film in a refrigerator prior to loading, it not only helps prolong its shelf life but it also makes it slightly easier to load into the slide holder. 👍

Because of you being so honest and also your tone of voice so calm and your video very interesting I subscribe to watch more even if my English is quite bad ☺️☺️☺️

This video is the perfect antidote to any potential wannabe large format cowboy like myself! Haha. Thanks for posting this and allowing us to experience the trials and tribulations. Much respect.

Your video made me laugh. I graduated from university in 2021. As part of my of my degree plan I took a photography concentration worth 15 credit hours. I absolutely loved it and I remember shooting large format. The only difference is we shot on the actual paper instead of film. I'm assuming it was to save money. Thanks for the the reminder!

It's so nice when the person being photographed is patient, especially strangers. It helps that people are usually interested in this huge, weird camera. You're a natural, though. Your large format photos really bring out what sets this format apart (and makes it the BEST!). Do you ever second-guess yourself about cameras you ditched for another? Not the 645 for the 4x5, that was no doubt a good idea. I sold an RB 67 with a 50mm lens and a 90mm and got a Fuji rangefinder. It's so much lighter, I really like rangefinders, and the glass is pristine, but I sometimes wonder if I shouldn't have grumbled so much about the weight of that otherwise fantastic, capable camera. Just the sound of the huge shutter flapping was gratifying. Like, yay, a picture has been made! (Hopefully).

It's good to see someone share their mistakes, thanks for uploading this vid and hats off to your model, she is very patient.

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE FAILS! I have not had the courage yet to load film in the bag. Thanks for the journey. Keep the the work and vids.

Thanks for sharing your experience and your photos!

Trial & error we all go thru it. Thank you for your honesty & keep up the good work.

Thank you 1000% for posting this video. It takes great character to share your mistakes. I greatly appreciate your honesty.

great lesson in what goes on, even for those new to LF. one thing to help, put the darkslide part way in when you load the holders (lets you know immediately if you put the film in the wrong slot{and stops you loading in the wrong end of the holder!!}), also place your index finger and thumb on the track start, so you are sure it is guided correctly, then, pull the film edge upwards, if it stays put, the film is loaded correctly. most of these, since done in a changing bag/darkroom keep the film safe, and your sanity while shooting, but NOTHING works better than a box of expired/exposed film to practice loading the holders/ camera shooting drill while learning, then you can ALWAYS open the holder and check, not wasting the good stuff (save that for later on!).

I enjoy your videos. Very down to earth, not all hyped up and not droning on endlessly. Keep up the good work.

I really enjoyed that video, and even with the messing around, it seems pretty obvious that you produced some really nice images. I have had a 4x5 camera laying around, which I haven't really used, and my rekindled interest for it brought me here. Your video just increased my urge to get it up and running. Thanks!

I'm definitely going to have to develop more patience before I jump into large format haha. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with shooting on this camera!

one other hint for emergencies, put the whole camera in a dark bag, or changing tent!! unload it there, you can still SAVE the shot, as long as the camera shutter is closed, and the holder has not been disturbed in the grafflok/spring back, take the holder out in the tent, re-fit the film & darkslide, then remove the whole assembly again, FEW, ALL's SAFE again.; and you didn't waste the shot, this works even with the darkslide removed, just install it in the holder under a changing bag/tent and all is right again. (unfortunately this is only for normal/plate film holders; the 545 and 505 instant film or the quickload/ ready load films are ruined, no way of rescuing them, as the holder and slide are combined into an envelope design, if the film slips in these, she's goosed :-(( ).

Bryan, loved your video, loved your honesty. (fellow Intrepid 4x5 newbie).

Thank you for this, the issues with large format is thinking it's easy but then things go sideways not to mention the cost factor... Time and Money mostly money... keep doing what your doing and enjoy the ride.

Loading sheet film in the dark can be quite the challenge!

Expertise can't be accomplished without failure. One great shot wipes away any disappointment.

It's encouraging to see young photographers experimenting w film, particularly LF, for so many reasons mentioned in the below comments. Nice work Bryan. Enjoy the journey......

Its allways nice to see someone taking first steps with LF. And of course doing same mistakes.

I can totally relate with the fuck ups bro! Definitely been there. Good news is the more you shoot, the easier/faster you'll be.

All the love to you bro :)! I can completely relate to these mistakes, the pressure and eventually frustration of making these, especially when also trying to film! But yes, as you have shown us, it does get better with experience. Keep it up!

It's all good man, that'll be me when I get my 4x5 tomorrow ! It's normal when you haven't worked this way before. You just have to slow down until it becomes more methodical because of so much practice ! But its seems like the most fun of all photography to me, and the most difficult ! And also the best images ever ! I cant wait to get mine. I've been shooting medium format of many different cameras for many years and 4x5 is very similar, but slower ! Keep it up Bryan. You're doing great. Larry

Always feel for the sharp edge of the rails the film is supposed to slip under. On both sides. And, as one commenter suggested, bring a changing bag for those moments when the dark slide misbehaves. And, as another suggested, leave a little bit of the slide inside the holder when making your exposure.

Thanks for the video. I think we all enjoyed it at your expense. For me, I'll stay with 120 film on 6x7 format.

Welcome to the world of 4x5, all part of the process. watch how your time speeds up the more you use it. Also, watch how after using a 4x5 for a while, how different the images will look when you go out and shoot with the Mamiya camera. I have to say from watching this video, your girlfriend is very patient and helpful, I've shot people before with one, and it's very hard for people to stand still that long and helpful. Putting your flaws on display PERFECT! I can't wait to see your progression with this camera.

Got my Intrepid 4x5 in the mail yesterday! So EXCITED. Loaded up six film holders today and am going to see what I can find.

when i bought mine i bought a 6x17 roll film holder at the same time. i had 4 rolls of way expired film to practice with before i tried 4x5 sheet film. you did awesome, looking forward to more. once i exposed some sheets i took a negative that wasn't special and practiced loading/unloading till i could do it in my sleep

I shot my Hasselblad today for the first time in months. A camera I love and used to shoot everyday. I was a little disappointed today when shooting it. My 4x5 has really become my favorite camera. I really enjoy that whole process of setting the 4x5 up and shooting.

Went through the same process haha. This was quite nostalgic. I was smiling through!

Hi Bryan, I kinda feel bad for you in this video. I have been shooting large format 4X5 Intrepid for more than a year now. I have a series ongoing named Happy Kids. So yeah, I shoot large format portraits in scenery with kids. Not really obvious,.... but yeah. What really helps is to keep being organised, make shure everything you do is well put. Try to 'train' at home as much as you can, with empty cartridges, because mistakes can happen, but with large format analog each mistake costs you money. For me working with large format really made me take a step back and take my time. The kids are not always fan of it :p but I keep them entertained in the meantime. But you need to keep. your focus. Any way, good luck!

Thank you for this, I could see something like that happening to me. This is why I picked up a film back for my Horseman 985, which also had a great price. I can do some of the movements like the Intrepid 4x5 even some back movements I do have a CAMBO 4X5 but you have to plan to take that monster out great pictures but just not your everyday type of camera. Thank you for showing things that happen and what an almost perfect can look like with a 4x5 camera.

a little tip from somebody who messed up alot of films like you did. Rack the camera so the groundglass is facing the ground. Then shake it a bit and then try to put the darkslide back in.

Welcome to club. Might be worth trying some Toyo slides, a bit more expensive but worth it I think.

tough learning curve dude !! ... kudos for starting with large format though , when you got it right , it was great , ... I'm might be hot on your heels soon..so am watching your sessions with great interest ... the ektarchrome you developed looked spot on btw...

dude that sriracha shirt is so awesome. my secret highlight of the video. ;)

It's a really interesting process to watch to. It's a shame those frames got lost! I would love to see more of this! Cheers man!

nice video the shots that came out looked great, im thinking about buying a 4x5 setup and I know im gonna make a bunch of the same mistakes. keep it up

Oh how I remember, as I've made the same mistakes on loading. But it does come and I have had many great days out with my 4x5. I'm now waiting for my Intrepid Black to show up. Have fun with it.

I'm going to step into LF again soon. at least, as soon as I finish restoring and modifying my old messy crappy filmsy monorail camera I bought off eBay 10 yrs ago for few euros. yes it was, and still is, a poor man monorail. it was as frustrating as it was rewarding. never had issues with loading sheet films but had many many many and many more sheets burned cause I didn't close the shutter after framing and focusing. great to see you had fun.

Welcome to the club so to say. I've been shooting a lot (4-10 exposures per weekend) to get my standardized work down as a single error will ruin an exposure. The #1 error to avoid is forgetting to close the lens after comp/focus. In time you'll upgrade the 4x5 camera yet good to know your lenses will carry over. Enjoyed your images and thanks for sharing. PS You can pull out the dark slide to a fixed position (mark it) to avoid going out and back in.

Hopefully, you didn't throw out those exposed sheets-- because they're fantastic for practicing. Start by loading outside the bag with eyes open, once you've got that down, try it with eyes closed. Also, set your holders up before you put them in the bag-- dust them out, put the slides the way you want, and then in the bag, don't pull the dark slides all the way out-- in fact, I usually only pull them about 1/3 of the way out. While holding the flap out of the way, slide the film at kind of a steep angle so it curves under the lower rails-- that way you know you're on the right level. Push the film in far enough to get past the two raised squares so it's lying flat. It's all about building a process that works for you, and turning that process into muscle memory.

Bro... I’ve had the film loading struggles. After the first outing with the same issues, I spent some time actually looking at how the film holders load and getting familiar with how they feel. Nothing like throwing money away to teach you a lesson...

Admire you for posting this video - I would have deleted it ;) Hope you've mastered loading the film by now.

Well done getting some fantastic photos on your first time with 4x5 - steep learning curve. I felt for you each time you discovered the film wasn't loaded properly :(

Lol thats why I don’t buy the metal film holders. I got the plastic fidelity elite ones. If that does happen, when the dark slide feels rough going back in, try to gently wiggle it back in. If that doesn’t work maybe bring in a dark light proof bag and try to quickly move the onto there. Hopefully the light leak doesn’t affect too much of the image

You're doing good. Good eye. Think about tilting and shifting from the back of the camera, the rear Standard; remember when you tilt and lift the front standard the lenses image circle moves up and down your film, but when you tilt or swing the back of the camera your film stays in the middle of the circle. God Bless.

Brave man to show your mistakes 👍 Good points are your note book and a Relaxed approach both will pay off. When loading your film use a finger nail to check film is in guides and Lift notched end with finger nail making sure it goes down flat this lift Will pop the sheet out if its only in one guide slot. Push and pull out dark slides gently 😅 Best wishes next time 👍

Question: is the quality upgrade of 4x5 significant enough to warrant the extra work over something like the rz?

Hey Bryan - great video! I was curious if you use the zone system at all for your exposure calc.

Thank you for showing a bit of what might happen shooting large format for the first time. I am still in the phase considering giving it a try, but costs are holding me back yet. :D You mention developing E-6 here. Have you done a video yet where you show how you do that? I develop black and white for years and just got a C-41 kit to give a try in the next weeks. E-6 might be the next step then ;)

Still shooting manual 35mm cameras from 1940. Not sure if I can shoot this large camera.

Great video! Definitely a big help to people starting out in large format. I'll have to see what mistakes I'll make my first time out. Couldn't you leave the dark slide in about half an inch though? I think I've heard people do that to prevent that problem.

Lol the stress and anxiety in the middle of shooting is so real. Really glad you left that all in. Those holders seem kinda clunky though, do you know if there are some that are better than others?

muy bueno y honesto ¡¡¡

Sweet video! I've been looking at these. I have a 500CM 6x6 that I shoot here and there and was looking to get a Pentax 67 to go up to 6x7 film, however being that 6x6 and 6x7 are not that much different I am intrigued to possibly go 4x5 or even 5x7. I think 8x10 would be insanely cool but to travel and lug that gear around vs something smaller like 4x5 or 5x7 would be a lot easier esp flying or hiking to a location. What are your thoughts>

You should marked the double dark slides with with the film you have in it because they are all the same otherwise :) You will get used to putting your dark slides in and out, when you have exposed the film you flick the sheath around when you slide it back in so it is black and you know you have exposed that sheet of film, well done for being honest and for shooting 5x4 as we call it in Scotland.

Oh the joys of large format... Still good show though, cheers!

Well I guess it happens to everybody .. loading the film on the holders. Happened to me before. Upon loading the film .. feel the metal guide to insert the film properly.. shoudl you be visiting nj/ny hopefully we canshoot together

Aw man, your struggle was hard to watch! Sorry you missed out on those shots. I dunno if you had a dark bag with you, but might be useful to have one on hand in case it happens again while you’re in the field

haha love this, Vietnamese T-shirt

Man, that was painful to watch. We all made these mistakes but we didn't have a camera documenting it thankfully. Kudos to you for showing all of it. So some observations and tips that may help in the future. 1. When loading sheet film holders before putting the dark slide in after loading the sheet, reach a fingernail under the end of the sheet and give it a little tug upward. If it isn't properly sitting under the side rails you will feel it at that point rather than losing sheets in the field. You will also catch the situation where you have loaded multiple sheets on one side of the holder at this point. When I used to cut down X-Ray film for 4x5 I used to have a lot of these problems with sheets popping out of the rails and it always seemed to be when someone was watching me in the field. 2. Please don't slap the dark slide back into the holder. You'll want to treat these things like you were handling eggs. Some of these holders are more than 50 years old and any damage you may cause will come back to haunt you in the form of light leaks later on. Be sure to clean those holders out in between shoots with a soft brush. 3. Tap the holders before inserting them into the camera. This helps to get them back into a state where the sheet is sitting even again after transporting. Sheets can become uneven in the track sometimes which can cause it to shift in between the time you compose and focus and the time you trip the shutter and that can mean an uneven horizon line or worse. It only takes a second to tap the holder against your palm. 4. The Intrepid has a revolving back so use that to your advantage when encountering resistence in re-inserting the dark slide. Spin that revolving back to landscape orientation so you can actually see what's going on instead of getting up on your toes and trying to peer down from the top. Much easier to spin it so you can see what you are dealing with. 5. Catlabs. You most likely paid too much. Their mark up is often absurd compared to the alternatives but then again they assembled a kit and got you on your way so maybe that's worth it to you. A good place to search for lenses in the future as you grow your kit and skills is the large format section of KEH or Roberts (Used photo pro). I've never received a bum lens from KEH, ever, and the "bargain" rating is often everyone else's "Excellent" rating.

don’t you love it when the film jams the dark slide 🙄at least now you have a lot of blank sheets you can use to practice in the light lol.

Is there any chance the problem was with the “cheaper” film holders? You had mentioned they were inexpensive, and the ones I’ve been researching, like on Intrepids site itself has the priced more in the $60 USD range...wondering if it might be one of those” you get what you pay for “ type things? Anyway, I’m looking to getting into LF too in the near future. Keep on shooting!!

I have an intrepid and I bought a bunch of film holders on eBay.. I’m lucky I’ve never had the black slide issue.

I feel the pain 😨 I left a negative outside the box when I turned the lights on after loading the film.

This is why I stick to medium format and 35mm film, I do not have the patience for large format. I get so angry at myself when I miss a shot on medium format, missing a shot on large format I would take the foetal position and cry .... and throw the large format cam into the garbage

Where can i start, if i want to get into large format?

Imagine back when a photographer had to load film like this to take a photo of a family with small kids😩😄

We've all been there with misloading film holders!

I really felt your pain then

This is why you dont take the slide completely out. Over time you will learn how far the slide needs to slide out while not removing it.

Normal lens for a 4x5 is 152mm. Normal for a 35mm is 43mm

This fxckery with loading is kinda a huge turn off... Always wanted to tap into this type of photography, but this hassle... I don't know... So what was with the loading, was the camera anyway faulty??

A spectacular failure is better then dreams in the drawer.

dang, still no cats :( these shots would have been interesting sadly you "fucked" up still great video

You pay for your education